BRISTOL, Conn., Feb. 19 (UPI) -- ESPN has ended its four-year relationship with studio analyst Michael Irvin, who was elected two weeks ago to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
The Dallas Cowboys' all-time leading receiver was involved in two controversial episodes over the pasts 15 months, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. He was arrested during a November 2005 traffic stop in Plano, Texas, after police found drug paraphernalia in his car, and in November 2006 he had to apologize for racially insensitive remarks regarding Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.
Irvin claimed in 2005 that the drug pipe in his car belonged to a friend whom he was trying to help get off drugs.
He conceded it was "inappropriate and insensitive when he joked on the air that Romo's athleticism must mean Romo has some African-American heritage.
ESPN suspended Irvin for one week following the drug incident, but nevertheless signed him to a one-year contract with a three-year option. ESPN spokesman Bill Hofheimer told the Journal-Constitution Irvin would not be returning.
"We thank him for his contributions and wish him well," Hofheimer said.
Irvin said the move was "fine."
"There are a lot of opportunities to explore," he said.
